L’Aventure Optimus, Paso Robles

Score: DCT94

A gorgeous counterbalance to the classic Cabernet-dominated Napa Cabs that you will find through the Place de Bordeaux this September. Here you get a beautifully exotic edge, with sage and raspberry notes coming from the Syrah on limestone soils filling out the chocolate, menthol and cassis of the Cabernet. Fine tannins but plenty of them, with a restrained but unmissable twist of smoked oak. Michel Rolland consultant. Another Bordeaux link here as owner Stephan Asseo used to own several châteaux, including La Fleur Cardinale. This 2018 is his 20th vintage in Willow Creek.

Decanter 94